What Makes You a Christian?

What makes you a Christian? The answer to that question may vary widely based on what denomination of Christian you ask. Christianity is such a diverse group of people, most of whom think very differently from each other. There are some sects of Christianity who claim that unless you believe and think like them you are not truly a Christian, yet I think, for the most part, people are ok with other denominations labeling themselves as Christian. 

What does being a Christian mean though? Is it the belief that Jesus is the son of God sent from heaven to pay for our sins? Many Christians may readily jump up and shout "Amen!" Yet not all Christians believe that. I myself have questioned that one, yet I am still a Christian. There were some in my own denomination, even James White, who did not believe that Jesus was God, yet they still lived according to His teachings and preached His message. 

I think the answer to this question of what makes one a Christian is becoming increasingly important in the massively converging world we live in. We need unity in this world,  as the current Pope has been strongly noting in his campaigns recently. Christianity needs unity in order to create a society that is better than our past. That doesn't mean we all have to think or believe the same way, it means we must find common ground on which we can stand in opposition to the oppressive and backwards societies of our past. 

I believe that being a Christian goes far beyond belief and doctrine, as was manifested in the life and teachings of Jesus. What does doctrine profit if it does not manifest in a life committed to helping those around us? If your doctrine and your beliefs do not cause you to be a better person and do not cause you to love all those around regardless of their religious ideals, political party, economic standing, or sexual orientation, then you have become just a sounding brass, or clanging symbol. Does your faith drive you to reach those who need your help, or does it cause you to turn your back on those you deem unfit for your help and friendship? We need to change how we identify as Christians. We as Christians should be distinguished how Christ was distinguished not so much by what we believe, but by how we live.